HORSE & RIDER  -  ASK THE EXPERTS  5

Question: from Alison Garner – I have a wonderful Warmblood gelding etc.

Answer:

In this instance, I wouldn’t take all the blame!  You mention that your horse is reluctant to canter on the lunge and when he does he is uncoordinated.  This gives me a clue that somewhere there is lack of connection from his hind legs through his spine.  You do not say if he is worse on one rein than the other but it could be that for whatever reason he is not able to give equal thrust with each hind leg or the muscle tone behind the saddle is not sufficient to hold the vital connection from back to front unless he is supported by a very strong rider.

His lack of impulsion may well be his way of showing you that he finds cantering on a 20-metre circle very difficult and that a straight line with plenty of space is much less problematic for him.  Taking him back to basics, gentle, lateral suppling exercises, transitions or working him on long reins on the straight and on a circle may help.  However before you do any of this I would check that he doesn’t have pain or stiffness in the joints of his hind legs and maybe check his back again.

Now let’s take a look at your difficulties!  Are you able to sit softly, lightly and in balance to his trot?  If not, you really need some help with this (probably on the lunge) as you will be hindering his movement.  Are you gripping and very important, are you crooked?  To help your horse, you must be centered on both reins in alignment with the direction you are going with your hips and shoulders on the axis of the circle.  DO NOT TWIST your shoulders as this will twist your seat bones and push his hindquarters off the circle.  Try sitting a little lighter in the saddle, think your head “up” to the sky but beware of being stiff.  The correct use of your back is vital to support your horse and help him maintain the connection through from his hind legs via his back and neck to his mouth.

Why not forget the canter and work on yourself for a while?  Try to become more aware of what effect your body is having on the way your horse goes.  Then when you feel ready, start with walk to canter transitions, preparing the walk carefully until if feels active, balanced and engaged, give a light and precise aid to canter paying attention to have a contact on the outside rein.  Canter a few steps then walk.  Gradually increase the time in canter until you have built up to a couple of accurate circles.

Remember  - “less is best” – do not over-ride, do as little as possible, sit as quietly as possible with an engaged back an independent seat and soft, still hands.  Good luck!

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